The Rise of Macedon - AAR by lord Durham 02/2004

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The Rise of Macedon - AAR by lord Durham


Research Note: This document is an abridged version of the Histories of Kallisthenes, an obscure Athenian scribe in the employ of King Archelaus and succeeding Macedonian kings until his death c.340BCE. For clarity the editors have adjusted the dates to reflect the modern calendar.

The Rise of Macedon


Though I near the end of my years, and prepare to pass my task of recording the history of Macedon to my pupil, I cannot help but look back and reflect on the works accomplished by the kings and men who made Macedon s ascension possible.

It has felt like a lifetime since I, Kallisthenes son of Aertes, first assumed the onerous task of recording what ultimately has become the dawn of Macedon s rise to power. The years were not easy, and the tasks difficult. There were setbacks and loss, success and joy. But, I am ahead of myself. Therefore, let me start from the beginning.

It was the second last year of the reign of King Archelaus, though I was not to know that at the time&


At the beginning of the year 400BCE Macedonia consisted of many villages, of which Idomene, Europos, Edessa, Berrhoia, Thessalonika, and Pydna were considered the most important in terms of size and prestige. But, arising above all was Pella, capital and seat of power for the Macedonian Kings and their court.

Before this history of accounts continues I should step back and give a brief account of Macedon s first great king. Archelaus ascended the throne in 413BCE, spending many years taming the Macedonian tribes and forging the disparate groups into a united, albeit fragile, country. Often referred to as barbarians by the Greek city-states to the south, he worked hard to bring Greek culture and learning to Macedon and her people. To that end he invited the likes of Euripides the playwright and the philosopher Plato to his court to entertain and spread their teachings.

By 400BCE King Archelaus found Macedon still fractured, with same-speaking tribes existing outside his sphere of influence. He decided it was time to unite these independent Macedonian lands under one domain and master. To gauge the mood of some neighbouring lands, he ordered his diplomats to attend their courts. Megakles son of Nikias was sent to the Chalcidicans, Menylos of Alexius journeyed north to the land of the Paeonian barbarians, and Aigios son of Menidas traveled south to Thessaly.

Realizing that surplus food was necessary to further his plans, he arranged various trade agreements with the local merchants, selling horses for provisions. In addition he launched Macedon on the road to self-sufficiency by laying the foundation for expansion in the villages of Thessalonika and Idomene. Finally, wages were increased while food allotments were decreased. The monetary increase kept the population relatively calm and productive.

By February of the year 400BCE, King Archelaus managed to have a better view of the way the surrounding countries perceived him. His diplomats arrived at their various destinations and promptly reported their findings. The Chalcidicans and Thessalians were neutral in stance, neither belligerent nor willing to welcome the Macedonians with open arms. The Paeonians, on the other hand, held Macedon in deep dislike bordering on hostility.

Still, as no immediate threat was visible from the north, the king proceeded with his plans. Troops were dispatched from Pella and Europos west to Edessa as additional soldiers were recruited in that frontier village. Meanwhile, wary of the Chalcidicans, the army at Pydna was split, with elements sailing to strengthen the garrison at Thessalonika.

Thessalonika and Idomene completed their expansion by July, immediately attracting settlers. Idomene continued by clearing land for future food production while Thessalonika began construction of Brick Making facilities. By the end of the month the Macedonian army stationed in Edessa marched west into Eordaea toward its capital, Arnisa. The amalgamation of the Macedonian tribes had begun&

However, it wasn t long before trouble arose. It was early in August, the army having barely crossed into Eordaea, when news arrived that the Paeonians were massing near the northern border. Troops were ordered from Pella north to reinforce Idomene, the logical choice of any potential Paeonian aggression.

By September a Homestead was completed in Idomene, marginally increasing food production. The threat on the northern border grew.

In October King Archelaus received glorious news. Eordaea had fallen after a battle on the outskirts of Arnisa. He ordered the local leaders sent into exile but refused to enslave the population as they were of the same Macedonian stock. Instead, he directed the immediate construction of a Brick Making facility to solidify his hold on the new territory and earn the people s good-will. Meanwhile, land was ordered cleared to prepare for the expansion of Pydna, while Antiochos son of Photios was dispatched to the court of the barbaric Thracian Maedi.

By the end of the year Brick Making facilities were completed in Thessalonika&


Part II

The year 399BCE starts well with a good harvest. Several days later a diplomat arrives from the Lyncestians, ostensibly to open relations.

By February Brick Making facilities are completed in Arnisa, a welcome sight to the otherwise unemployed inhabitants. Workers are not hard to find. Almost immediately construction begins on a Military Camp. Arnisa is somewhat isolated from the rest of Macedon, so the faster King Archelaus can supply local troops to the area the better. By the end of the month the Paeonians finally make a move and invade Macedon. As expected, they march on Idomene.

April finds King Archelaus fighting off a barbarian raid on the outskirts of Pella. The marauders are defeated and barbarian heads line the main road into the Macedonian capital. Meanwhile, Pydna expands in size and the foundation for a Brick Making facility is promptly laid. The month comes to a successful close when messengers arrive from Idomene with news that the Paeonian army has been soundly defeated. However, a second army approaches.

The Military Camp is completed in Arnisa as summer arrives and men are promptly recruited to bolster the local army. As immigration increases, the king orders land to be cleared in Pella to allow for future expansion. Meanwhile, the second Paeonian army is defeated at Idomene.

During the month of July another barbarian raid descends on Pella. They are defeated, but King Archelaus is killed during the fighting. Orestes assumes the throne, leaving men to wonder if his vision will be as clear as that of his predecessors. Days later news arrives from Athens that the great philosopher Socrates has died, apparently by his own hand, and at the orders of the Athenian government. Many Macedonians openly question who the real barbarians are. Orestes first command as king is to relocate elements of the army stationed in Arnisa to Pydna.

As summer winds down, Edessa begins to clear land for expansion, while Brick Making facilities are completed in Pydna.

In September workers begin construction of a Woodsman s Hut in Arnisa.

During the first week of October Menylos of Alexius returns from Paeonia. The barbarians have unceremoniously booted the diplomat from their court, no doubt in retaliation for losing two armies near Idomene. The veteran ambassador is dispatched to Lyncestia.

In November the Woodsman s Hut is completed in Arnisa, creating yet more job opportunities for the large population. Meanwhile, land is cleared for the future expansion of Berrhoia.

By December Pella expands into a Small Village, and construction begins on a Military Camp.

An average harvest is reported for January of 398BCE, while Europos begins to clear land for an expected influx of immigrants.

Edessa grows into a Large Encampment in February, and plans are laid to build Brick Making facilities.

In May Berrhoia grows into a Large Encampment, and construction begins on a Woodsmen s Hut. King Orestes invites some leading minds from Athens to help suggest improvements. They introduce methods to improve Gold Mine production, suggest building Libraries and finally, establish a Foreign Ministry to supplement the training of Macedonian diplomats. (Gold Research 1)

By June the Military Camp is completed in Pella and men are promptly recruited for training. Brick Making facilities begin operation in Edessa, helping alleviate the constantly growing demand for construction materials.

In July the Woodsman s Hut is completed in Berrhoia, while Europos expands into a Large Encampment. Construction begins on a Homestead. As the month ends an invasion by the Elimotes catches everyone by surprise, while another Paeonian army marches south toward Idomene.

The Elimotes reach Berrhoia with two armies before the Macedonians can rally and intercept. The first attack on the village is valiantly repulsed, and the army destroyed. However, the battle leaves the garrison in a weakened state, and a subsequent attack by the second army overruns the defenders, resulting in the village s capture. King Orestes throws a tantrum.

As fall approaches the news from Idomene is better. The Paeonians are defeated for a third time. Meanwhile, a Homestead is completed in Europos.

In December Pella begins to clear land for yet more expansion. Finally, news arrives that Berrhoia has been retaken by the Macedonian army.

The year 397BCE produces another average harvest. Seeking revenge for Berrhoia, King Orestes orders the invasion of Elimote, and the campaign is launched from Arnisa. Immigrants continue to pour into Macedonia, prompting Thessalonika to clear land for yet another round of expansion.

During the month of May the Macedonian army captures Aiane, the capital of Elimote. Though losses are heavy, the price is well paid as Elimote becomes part of Macedon. To keep the disgruntled population under control the victorious army remains there to recover. Workers are assigned to begin construction of Brick Making facilities.

By July Pydna has cleared land and expanded. Though the south is now relatively secure, the north remains in turmoil. A new threat, the Thracian Maedi, invade Macedon and advance on Idomene. Meanwhile, another party of barbarians descends on Pella.

King Orestes defeats the raiders outside the Macedonian capital during August. Days later a diplomat arrives from the Mygdonians and introduces himself. The king expresses interest in what the ambassador has to say, and casts an eye east.

By the middle of September the Thracian hordes have been defeated at Idomene by the battle-hardened veterans. I should note that earlier in the year King Orestes decided there were too many potential enemies surrounding Macedon, and directed his diplomats to improve relations with certain neighbouring lands. To that end, Macedonian diplomats secured favoured trade arrangements with the Chalcidians and Lyncestians. Relations improved as a result. Further south, Brick Making facilities are completed in Aiane, and a Woodsman's Hut is ordered built.

In October Pella expands into a Large Village. Improved Iron Mines, Small Training Grounds and Armourer technology results from further discussions with Athenian engineers. (Iron Research 1) A diplomat arrives from the Chalcidians seeking audience, and construction of a Foreign Ministry is undertaken in Pella.

Thessalonika grows into a Small Village and a Woodsman's Hut is completed in Aiane. Construction of a Military Camp is begun. Finally, as November draws to a close, ground is broken for a University in Thessalonika Macedonia s first such school of higher learning.

January of 396BCE brings another average harvest. A diplomat arrives from the land of the Tymphaeans, and a land clearing project is undertaken at Idomene.

In March the University opens in Thessalonika. Further south, Pydna expands into a Small Village. Construction begins on a Homestead. Still further south and west of the Macedonian port town, Aiane completes construction of a Military Camp. King Orestes recalls his diplomat, Antiochos, from the barbaric Thracian Maedi.

In May Antiochos son of Photios arrives in Pella and is promptly dispatched to the court of the Mygdonians to gather information. Pydna completes a Homestead.

The following month Antiochos son of Photios leaves Mygdonia and returns to Pella.

Using what knowledge Antiochos has gathered, King Orestes orders the Macedonian army an army that has been quietly gathering in Thessalonika for several months to invade Mygdonia. It is mid-summer.

Proving there is no rest for the wicked, Antiochos son of Photios uses September to travel to Orestia, introducing himself to the local leaders. Further north, Idomene expands into a Small Village. This expansion allows the locals to exploit a Copper Deposit. The month, however, ends on a bad note as the Chalcidicans use the Macedonian invasion of Mygdonia as an opportunity to show their true colours. They launch a surprise invasion and march on Thessalonika.

The Chalcidians reach Thessalonika in October and are barely defeated. King Orestes vows a reckoning. The Foreign Ministry is completed in Pella, while Euorpos and Edessa clear ground for future growth. Mollifying the Chalcidican betrayal, Arethousa, capital of Mygdonia, falls to the victorious Macedonian army. The local population is immediately put to work building a Brick Making facility. Mygdonia becomes a part of Macedon.

Part III

396BCE Continued:

In the month of November King Orestes died under mysterious circumstances. His successor, Aeropus II, promptly assumed the crown and promised to locate the murderers. Hoping to exploit the sudden political turmoil in Macedon, the small country of Perrhaebia, lying to the south, launched a surprise invasion, sending an army toward Pydna. Newly crowned King Aeropus II ordered the army billeted at Aiane to mobilize and recruit additional men. Meanwhile, Idomene began mining a fresh Copper Deposit while Arethusa made plans to open a new Gold Mine.

In December Pydna fell to the Perrhaebian army her smaller garrison no match for the overwhelming numbers. The army from Aiane marched east.


The year 395BCE began on an auspicious note as Late Rains spoiled some of the harvest. King Aeropus II had no choice but to limit food distribution to the citizens, an unpopular move. To counter this, news arrived that the Gold Mine at Arethusa was open and in production. The king ordered the inhabitants to construct a Homestead. Meanwhile, as feared, food supplies began to run low due to increased troop buildup. The king ordered the merchants to procure more grain on the open market.

On a personal note, I received a message in February that Aristippus of Cyrene had opened the Cyrenic School of Philosophy. I wished him well.

Arethusa completed their Homestead in March, a small but positive contribution to the ever-increasing food problem. It was decided their next project would be to expand production at the Gold Mine.

In April two of Macedon s more experienced diplomats secured improved trade relations with both the Lyncestians and the Orestians. Not surprisingly, the additional funds were used to purchase food.

By June, Europos and Edessa had cleared enough land to evolve into Small Villages. Both locations immediately began construction of Homesteads. Arethusa completed the expansion of their Gold Mine, importing Ore Gatherers to increase production. Toward the end of the month the Macedonians received good news. A Perrhaebian army gathering near the Haliacmon River was defeated by levies from Pella and nearby Berrhoia, leaving the main army from Aiane to continue its advance on Pydna.

During July a Chalcidican army was spotted advancing on Idomene. It should be noted that the Chalcidicans had managed to carve out some territory to their north. It was decided to leave them be, as they acted as a foil against the Thracian Maedi. However, it was known that one day both of these countries would have to be dealt with. By mid-month Pydna was liberated, and construction immediately begun on a Military Camp.

August witnesses some Improvements in Farming practices, while Herbalists immigrate from the south (Food-1). Homesteads are completed at Edessa & Europos. The Chalcidican army attacks Idomene, but is annihilated.

In September King Aeropus II orders the new farming practices put to use, and construction of a Basic Smallholding begins in Pella. It is hoped these improvements will take care of the food crisis once and for all.

In November the king s engineers announce improvements in mining marble (Marble-1). However, Macedon has no ready access to marble resources, and King Aeropus II, in a fit of rage, orders research to be directed into something more useful. Meanwhile, the Military Camp is completed in Pydna. Elsewhere, an old friend of mine, Thucydides, completes a book about the Peloponnesian War. I look forward to reading it. Finally, a very large Thracian Maedi army is spotted gathering north of the Macedonian border. Reinforcements are promptly dispatched to bolster the garrison.

Pella completes the first Macedonian Basic Smallholding in December, allowing for increased food production from the same plots of land. Finally, Aigios is recalled from Thessaly. King Aeropus II decides he can make better use of the diplomat&